Narrator Kimberly Woods deftly delivers the puzzle of the Robber Girl, keeping listeners guessing. The Robber Girl knows she should listen to her dagger and help Gentleman Jack find the gold that is rightfully his. But when a robbery goes wrong, the Robber Girl finds her world turned upside down. Woods's narration starts out tough as she portrays the skeptical Robber Girl and transitions to a softer, kinder voice as the girl's identity and past are unveiled. Woods's pacing keeps the mystery engaging and adds to the rich sensory details of the story. The rough voice of the dagger as it tries to wield power is sharp, and the juxtaposition of the dagger and the calm judge works well to depict the conflict in this emotional mystery.
(Fabulism. 11-14)Pub Date: Sept. 14, 2021
Duration: 12 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781713587873
Publisher: Brilliance Audio/ Candlewick
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life.
Fourteen-year-old Tessa lives in a dystopian world with a leader who has banned books and taken away the personal liberties of its citizens. Elise Arsenault establishes a steady pace with her narration. When an older neighbor is taken to elder care, Tessa finds a box of forbidden books in her house that changes everything. Arsenault captures Tessa’s tumultuous emotions as she learns about the past and discovers that her long-lost twin brother, Theo, who disappeared years ago, may still be alive. Fans of Lowry’s The Giver will be intrigued by this world, one that feels frighteningly plausible.
Arsenault’s passionate performance brings this alternative world to life. (Dystopian. 9-12)Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 49 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063515130
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2026
A fun listen about standing up for what you believe in.
Sixth grader Jordi Acosta starts to take an interest in activism when two issues become significant in his life. First, books are being banned at the school library, and second, an energy company wants to drill in Yaupon Creek Wildlife Refuge, where he volunteers with his mom, a wildlife biologist who tends to cryptids there. Adi Cabral narrates at a quick pace, with a slightly sassy edge. They bring a wealth of variety to their depictions of middle schooler Jordi and his friends, creating different voices, from impudent to nerdy and nasal. Several characters have Southern accents.
A fun listen about standing up for what you believe in. (Fantasy. 9-12)Pub Date: Sept. 22, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 9 mins
DD ISBN: 9798349166136
Publisher: Dreamscape
Review Posted Online: Oct. 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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